Occupational pension provision within the framework of the BVG and its implementing provisions for employees of companies belonging to the Bank of America Merrill Lynch group (or controlled by Bank of America Corporation, headquartered in Charlotte, USA) and domiciled in Switzerland, as well as for their relatives and beneficiaries, against the economic consequences of old age, disability and death. The affiliation of a related company is based on a written affiliation agreement, which must be notified to the supervisory authority. The foundation may provide additional benefits beyond the statutory minimum benefits, including support in cases of need, such as illness, accident, disability or unemployment. To achieve its purpose, the foundation may conclude insurance contracts or enter into existing contracts, whereby it must be the policyholder and beneficiary itself.